Lightning Extend Home Streak Past Jets

The Tampa Bay Lightning kept their home record spotless on Thursday night by defeating the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 at Amalie Arena. The victory ties a franchise record for the most wins to open a season at home, bringing Tampa Bay's mark to 6-0 in front of its own fans.

Pontus Holmberg led the effort with a career-high four points, recording one goal and three assists. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each contributed a goal and two assists, while Brayden Point, John Carlson, and Conor Geekie also found the back of the net. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 17 shots in the win.

Winnipeg managed to keep the game close in the final period, scoring two goals within two minutes to cut Tampa Bay's lead. Kyle Connor and Dylan Samberg scored for the Jets, and Neil Pionk added two goals. Mark Scheifffle provided three assists for the visitors.

The Jets' goaltending situation has been in flux since the team traded Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey. Stuart Skinner allowed five goals on 21 shots before being pulled at the start of the third period. Nico Daws made his debut for Winnipeg and finished with nine saves.

Tampa Bay built a comfortable lead in the second period, outscoring Winnipeg 4-1. Conor Geekie opened the scoring in that stretch at 9:43, followed by a power-play goal from Cirelli. John Carlson extended the lead to 4-1 with a one-timer, and Hagel added a tap-in with 56 seconds left in the period.

The Jets' last win came on Oct. 13, and the team is now 0-5-2 in its final seven games. The Lightning will travel to play the Nashville Predators on Saturday. Winnipeg hosts the Florida Panthers on Friday.